Dallas Airport Lounges: Where to Relax Before, After or Between Flights At DFW

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas is a major hub when it comes to U.S. air travel, so chances are good that if you travel often, you may find yourself with a layover in DFW soon. This means you may want to familiarize yourself with Dallas airport lounges so you know where to head to kill some time before or between flights.

Here's a rundown of all the DFW airport lounges you need to know about.

While DFW isn’t the only airport in the Dallas area, it’s the biggest and busiest.

Remember that at most airport lounges, you’ll have to present a same-day boarding pass to gain entry. If it’s an airline or partner lounge, the pass will have to show you’re traveling with the corresponding airline.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Sleek, modern and a relaxing place to kick back during travel, the Dallas Capital One Lounge is located in Terminal D near Gate D22.

It’s open from 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily and offers a full bar, dining stations, grab-and-go food and ample space to recharge yourself and your devices. There’s even a room for indoor cycling and yoga, relaxation space, and shower suites.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card holders get unlimited access for free, Venture and Spark Miles cardholders get 2 complimentary visits per year and everyone else can purchase a day-pass for $65.

Unlike airline lounges, you don’t have to be flying with a specific airline to visit this lounge.

Learn more: Should I get the Capital One Venture X card?

Located in Terminal D near gate D18 on the mezzanine level, the Dallas Centurion Lounge has nearly everything you’d want in a lounge: semi-private workspaces, a spa, freshly prepared food, cocktails and a shower suite.

Access is free for all The Platinum Card® from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders, and Centurion Members. It’s open from 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. every day. Terms apply.

Guests are extra unless cardholders have qualified for free guests via credit card spending. You don’t need to be flying with a specific airline to visit this lounge.

Learn more: What cards can get me into AmEx Centurion Lounges?

The Club is open daily from 4 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. and is located in Terminal D on the mezzanine level near gate D27. To access it, you’ll have to book a time slot online in advance.

A unique type of lounge that doesn’t require that you fly with a specific airline, The Club DFW is divided into five zones:

• Privacy Zone with cocoon chairs.

• Replenish Zone with a buffet and bar.

• Productivity Zone complete with workspaces.

• Relax Zone with comfy seating.

• Refresh Zone, which includes a bathroom and shower.

Prices start at $50 per passenger. Access to The Club lounges is included for all Priority Pass members, which is a benefit on many travel credit cards.

» Learn more: How to get Priority Pass lounge access

The first lounge of its kind in the U.S., the Plaza Premium Lounge offers cuisine, cocktails and more in a bright and modern space. There’s space to stretch out and plug in devices, premium Wi-Fi and a place to chill away from crowded gates.

It’s located in Terminal E near gate E31 and is open from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. You can pre-book a pass, which starts at $50 for three hours. You can also purchase a bundled Plaza Premium Lounge Pass Americas that gives you two visits to lounges in the Americas for $80.

There are a total of six American Airlines lounges in Dallas airport. Access is open to:

• Annual and lifetime Admirals Club members.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® primary cardmembers.

• ConciergeKey members.

• AirPass members with Admirals Club privileges. 

Passengers flying in first or business class are also welcome, as are qualifying elites at AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro and AAdvantage Platinum levels.

Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members on any American or Oneworld flight, as well as uniformed members of the military traveling on a same-day American flight.

Should you now qualify through one of these methods, the doors aren’t closed to you. Day passes may also be available for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles.

Terminal A

Located across from gate A24, you’ll find complimentary food and drinks, including a full bar, Wi-Fi, showers even a kids room in this lounge.

It’s open from 5 a.m. – 10:15 p.m. daily.

Terminal B

Located between gates B3 and B4, this Dallas Airport lounge offers similar amenities as the lounge in Terminal A (Wi-Fi, complimentary food and a full bar), but it does not have a kids room. It does have one additional conference room available to book.

It’s open from 5:30 a.m. – 10:15 p.m. daily.

Terminal C

This DFW airport lounge opens earlier than other American lounges; you can visit from 4 a.m. – 10:15 p.m.

Terminal D

There are two American lounges in Terminal D.

Admirals Club

Similar to other Admirals Clubs, the one located near gate D24 has complimentary food and drinks, a full–service bar, showers and a kids room (but no conference rooms).

It’s open from 5 a.m. – 10:15 p.m.

Flagship Lounge

Also located in Terminal D between gates D21 and D22 is the American Airlines Flagship Lounge, filled with top tier amenities and services like chef-inspired meals, personalized service, premium wine and specialty cocktails, and shower suites where you can freshen up.

Passengers traveling in Flagship First or Flagship Business Plus on select flights even get access to Flagship First Dining, a sit-down restaurant experience inside the lounge.

Qualifying first and business class passengers, elite members on international flights, ConciergeKey members, and OneWorld Emerald and Sapphire elite travelers have access to the Flagship Lounge. Other travelers may also be able to purchase a day-use pass for $150 or 15,000 AAdvantage miles.

It’s open from 5 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily.

Terminal E

A bit more bare-bones amenities-wise than the other locations, this lounge still offers a comfortable place to relax, grab complimentary food and drink, including at the bar, and enjoy free Wi-Fi. It is located on the mezzanine level of DFW’s Satellite Terminal (Terminal E).

It’s open from 5:30 a.m. – 10:15 p.m.

» Learn more: How to access American Airlines Admirals Club lounges

Though the decor feels a bit outdated, the Dallas Sky Club offers a comfortable place to have a seat, refuel and get some work done. There’s ample seating, complimentary food and beverages, a full bar, even printers and shoe shine services available.

As for who can access the lounge, it’s reserved for:

• Those who purchase Delta Sky Club membership.

• Passengers traveling in a premium cabin (i.e. not economy).

• Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion elites.

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders and The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders get complimentary access. The same is true for business versions of the cards. Terms apply.

Single day-use passes are no longer available for purchase.

It’s located in Terminal E between gates E10 and E11 and it’s open daily from 4:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Learn more: Which is the best Delta credit card offer?

Inside this exclusive lounge is what you would want in a space to relax before your flight:

• Food and beverages.

• Showers.

• A bar.

• Rooms for napping.

• Workspaces,.

• Cycling and yoga room (which is available to reserve).

Those eligible to use the lounge are Prestige Class Passengers, Skypass Million Miler Club Members, Skypass Morning Calm Premium Members, and SkyTeam Elite Plus Members.

This Terminal D lounge across from gate D22 adheres to irregular hours, but that’s because they’re based on international flight times and is only open on days Korean Air flights operate. It’s best to check ahead for operating hours.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of the SkyTeam alliance

While American Airlines may have a corner on the market when it comes to DFW airport lounges — DFW is an American Airlines hub — there are plenty of others to choose from.

Check to see if you have a qualifying Capital One, Chase or American Express card for lounge access. As well, some cobranded airline credit cards or premium airfares may get you in. You can always splurge on a day pass for the Plaza Premium lounge if the other routes won't work.